VR Comfort Guide

Get Acquainted with VR

Before you jump into the VR experience, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the controls, settings, and the virtual environment. The Meta Quest headsets offer free applications that teach new users the basic concepts and interactions in VR. We recommend Meta's First Steps app.

IPD Calibration

The Interpupillary Distance setting on your VR headset isn't just a fancy tech term. This measurement reflects the distance between your eyes (measured in millimeters) and plays a crucial role in ensuring your VR experience is comfortable and immersive. By correctly adjusting the IPD on your VR device to match your own, you can reduce the risk of headaches, eye strain, and VR-induced nausea.

The easiest way to measure your IPD is to have a friend use a ruler to measure the distance between your pupils in millimeters. There are also apps and other options that you can try. Visit this Road To VR page for different IPD measurement options.

Meta Quest 2 Users

Meta Quest 2 devices only have 3 IPD settings. Use the table below to set your Quest 2 IPD setting to best match your measured IPD measurement. Visit this Meta Quest help page for more info.

Bonus Tip!
While you are setting the IPD on the headset, take a moment to clean the lenses with a soft microfiber cloth. Clear lenses will ensure clear visuals and reduce eye strain.

Reduce motion settings

SIMVANA offers a few different movement options within the settings page of the main menu. If you are new to VR, try these settings to minimize movement in VR. (Don't forget that you can move and turn in the real world and your avatar will follow you in SIMVANA)

• Locomotion Speed - Slow. This will prevent your avatar from moving too quickly through the OR

• Rotation Mode - Snap. This option will have your avatar run in discrete increments instead of a continuous rotation.

• Sitting mode - This setting artificially adds height so users can play while sitting.
• Peripheral Mask - Strong. This will increase the size of the mask that appears at the edge of your vision when moving. A stronger mask will give your brain more to lock on to when moving in VR and let it know what is happening in the real world.

Limit Session Duration

It is easy to lose track of time while in VR. Set a timer to take breaks regularly. This will allow your eyes and brain to rest from VR while also allowing any sweat buildup to evaporate between sessions.

We recommend starting with 15-minute play sessions, with a 5-minute break in between. However, you may increase or decrease those times based on your comfort level.

 Bonus Tip!
Reduce nausea by using VR regularly. A US Navy study showed that daily VR use reduced nausea in users when compared to those that used VR sporadically.

Learn while Seated

If you're feeling uneasy, consider playing while seated until you're more comfortable. If using SIMVANA while seated, try using a chair without wheels so it doesn't roll away from you if you stand up during your session.

Listen to Your Body

If at any point you begin to feel dizzy, nauseated, or uncomfortable, it's crucial to take a break. Removing the headset and resting for a few minutes can often help. Over time your body will be accustomed to VR, and you will be able to extend the length of your sessions.

Everyone's experience with VR can differ. What works for one person might not work for another. It's essential to find what makes your VR journey most comfortable and enjoyable. If you are still experiencing nausea or discomfort while using SIMVANA, please reach out to info@simvana.com.